Janoff, first appointed to the board in 2011 to fill a vacant seat and then elected to serve a three-year term in 2012, announced that she would resign on June 5 because her family is moving from Tenafly.

The board narrowed down a pool of more than a dozen candidates before selecting Rothstein.

"I want to thank members of the public who came forward to put their names in for consideration," board President Edward Salaski said. "It was gratifying to see a large number of people that were interested."

Rothstein was sworn into office July 22 by a welcoming board.

"I think Sherri will be a good addition to the board and her focus on doing what's right for the kids is what matters most," board trustee Donald Kaplan said.

Board trustee Richard Press expressed similar sentiments and said many individuals were qualified for the position but Rothstein stood out.

"Your willingness and ability to step in and do the work necessary to help the schools along with a record of previous service to the schools serves you well," Salaski said.

Rothstein is a single mother of three high school students and has been teaching middle school in Paterson for 10 years.

"I have been a part of this community for almost 19 years and I think the school district is run very well," Rothstein said. "I want a chance to give back to the community so I volunteered for this important position. I'm very excited to be part of the board on a temporary basis."

Although she is not seeking to permanently run for the seat in November, she hopes her perspective as an educator will help the board during her short tenure.

"It's time to give my input both as teacher and resident," Rothstein said. "My children have benefitted from the schools here and I've been very happy with the programming."